Early in Rajon Rondo's rehabilitation, the Boston Celtics were adamant about an opening night return target. As the season inches closer, though, the team has started to deny having any idea when he might come back to the court.

"I’m not sure (when Rondo will be back),” Ainge said. “Rondo was working out (Tuesday) with all the guys. He’s not near 100 percent yet, but he’s out doing shooting drills and ball-handling drills. I really don’t have a date yet. We want to be careful with him, obviously. He’s hungry and anxious. I like the communication that’s going on between him and Brad. I think Rondo is looking forward to this stage of his career and, obviously he has to get healthy, but I think he really likes the challenge that’s ahead of him."

In other words: He's excited to prove his critics wrong.

While many have chosen to portray Rondo as an unwanted All-Star, Ainge stood firmly in the point guard's corner.

"Rondo's such a special player," said Ainge. "He's been MVP of playoff series against some of the best players in the world, including some of the Hall of Fame players he had on his own team. So he's a very special player."

Rondo trade rumors quieted as the summer went on, but Ainge nonetheless reiterated his stance that the point guard's probably in Boston for awhile.

"Yeah, he's a special player," said Ainge, pressed on whether he would trade Rondo for anything less than a blue chipper. "There's always a lot of rumors about Rondo. ... I mean, I told Rondo, we came close to getting Chris Paul for Rondo when Chris went to the Clippers. But we're not looking to trade Rondo. We think Rondo is a big part of our future."